How to Pick a Cat-Safe Bouquet at the Florist
How do you choose a bouquet that's safe for your cat when you're standing at the florist? Here's a checklist you can actually use, plus how to ask the staff.
Before you had a cat, you probably picked flowers at the florist purely on looks. Once a cat enters the picture, every purchase starts with a different question: "Is this one okay for my cat?" Asking the staff is one option, but for the times you can't, here's a guide you can keep on hand.
Flowers to rule out right away
Before you even walk in, it's best to take these off the list from the start.
- Lilies — tiger, Oriental, Asiatic, Easter (the most dangerous)
- Tulips — the bulb is especially toxic, and the leaves and flowers are too
- Daffodils — toxins are concentrated in the bulb
- Hyacinths — a frequent addition to spring gift bouquets
- Chrysanthemums — common in fall arrangements and memorial flowers
If even one of these is mixed into a bouquet, ask the staff to remove it or choose a different arrangement.
Flowers you can choose with confidence
These are safe to bring into a home with a cat.
- Gerbera daisies (many colors, fit any bouquet)
- Roses (ask to have the thorns removed)
- Sunflowers
- Snapdragons
- Freesias
- Lisianthus (eustoma)
- Waxflower (great as a filler)
- Carnations
How to ask the florist
When you're ordering in person, this works well:
"I have a cat, so could you leave out lilies, tulips, and daffodils and use only cat-safe flowers?"
Most florists are used to this request and are happy to adjust. If there's a particular flower you want, mention it at the same time.
Ordering online
When you use an online flower delivery service, always check the list of included flowers. Many online bouquets contain lilies. If the contents aren't clear from the listing, contact customer service or leave a note: "Please use only cat-safe flowers."
Watch the vase water too
The water the flowers sit in can be dangerous as well. Water that held lilies, in particular, can cause a toxic reaction if your cat drinks it. Keep the vase somewhere your cat can't reach, or use a container with a lid.
Save the flower cat app to your phone and you can look things up right at the florist. Type in a flower's name and you'll instantly see whether it's toxic to cats.
→ Full list of cat-safe flowers · Full list of dangerous flowers